Comedian Raju wants to contest from Allahabad

Stand-up comedian and actor Raju Srivastava is ready to make a foray into electoral politics from Congress in Uttar Pradesh.

Raju, who had already claimed to have received offers from the political parties, met the UP Congress Committee President Reeta Bahuguna Joshi on Sunday night and expressed his willingness to work for the party.

The comedian, who was on a personal visit at Joshi's residence last night, had a closed-door meeting with the leader and indicated that he may contest Lok Sabha election from Allahabad parliamentary constituency, if the party directs.

During the meeting Raju said he was impressed with the ideology of the Congress and Nehru-Gandhi family, according to party sources.

Raju also said he was ready take any role, whether as a candidate or a campaigner, given by the party, they said.

The comedian pointed out that though he was born in Kanpur, his ancestors hailed from Allahabad.

The UPCC chief in turn assured Raju that she will communicate his feelings to national president Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi, during her visit to New Delhi on February 25.